BMT to host an eDNA seminar in Perth
BMT is organising a seminar on an innovative biological monitoring tool, environmental DNA (eDNA), with the purpose of sharing information with the industry, regulators and the wider scientific community. eDNA has monitoring applications for biosecurity, environmental impact assessment, conservation and the detection of threatened species.
BMT has invited three speakers, experienced in eDNA and its applications. The seminar will include an overview of the technology, real life case studies, regulators’ viewpoint of the eDNA tool and a panel discussion.
eDNA may be able to play an important part in our effort to understand and manage marine environment. Through this seminar, oil and gas operators, port owners, regulators and researchers will have the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and share their experiences on the use of eDNA in environmental management and biosecurity.
What is eDNA?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) are trace amounts of DNA obtained from environmental substrates (such as water or sediment), rather than directly from a biological source. This preserved genetic material provides a tool to monitor the composition of biological communities at a given location.
When combined with next generation DNA sequencing technologies, eDNA provides a wealth of information for studies of biodiversity, threatened species, biosecurity, pests/diseases, food webs and dietary analysis.